Theatre and Culture from Scotland, starring The List's Theatre Editor, his performance persona and occasional guest stars. Experimental writings, cod-academic critiques and all his opinions, stolen or original.

Friday, 2 June 2017

Batacchio Dramaturgy: Cirk La Putyka @ Edfringe 2017

BATACCHIO
– Cirk La Putyka – Zoo Southside 4-12 August 2017

Cirk
La Putyka in Batacchio (also
part of the Aurora Nova programme)mixes acrobatics, magic,
theatre sketches, original music and unexpected illusion to presenta journey to the time of
spectacular 19th
century comedy shows. This will be the company’s third Fringe show
following Dolls in
2015 and their Total Theatre Award nominated La
Putyka in 2011.

What
was the inspiration for this performance?

-
the spectacular theatrical comedies of the 19th century.

It
combines contemporary circus, dance, sports and theatre with
disciplines rarely seen in today’s circus – disciplines so old
that they look fresh and new: ventriloquism, stage magic, and geek
body stunts.

The result is very much inspired by the lavish
stage extravaganzas of the 1800s, and fluctuates between truth
and illusion.

Is
performance still a good space for the public discussion of ideas?

-
Batacchio does
not directly point at any topic of public discussion.

Our show is
about showing how varied contemporary circus is. It is a

type of art
that can mix genres, disciplines and positions.

We don't tell a
story. We try to create a piece of art that will make people laugh
and realise the beauty and diversity of circus art at the same time.

How
did you become interested in making performance?

-
Batacchio is a
sort of "older brother" to Cirk La Putyka's shows Play
and Slapstick Sonata.

We decided to continue this dramaturgy line
that director Maksim Komaro started.

His approach to contemporary
circus is different to our artistic director, Rostislav Novák Jr.
His performances are very enriching not only for our company but also
for our audiences.

Is
there any particular approach to the making of the show?

- All
the routines are anchored in methods dating back to the 19th century,
which is why we have decided to avoid all modern technology.

Batacchio is above all about the aptitude of the performers, the
skills and magic tricks they are able to carry out on their own.

Does
the show fit with your usual productions?

-
Yes: we are using our regular troupe of performers, original music by
our ‘house’ composer, and our trademark style of
brash-and-powerful combined with moments of true tenderness and
finesse.

But also no: this is the first time we’ve looked back in time
for inspiration rather than draw on an original story or concept.

What
do you hope that the audience will experience?

-
Fun, excitement, and moments of ‘aaahhhh’.

What
strategies did you consider towards shaping this audience experience?

-
We used all the
skills our cast offers and mixed it with new ideas and contemporary
circus. The main idea was to draw from their talent, skills and
creativity.

Absurd opinions, extended reviews, random press releases from The Arts, half baked ideas, unsuccessful experiments with the format of criticism. Brought to you by the host of The Vile Arts Radio Hour and former Theatre Editor of The Skinny, now working with The List